The issue of OS a/c being used - indeed even the 'defacto' AOC's is a significant risk to everyone flying in Australian skies and a significant ri8s to jobs.
The issue is that while the legislative environment is prescriptive and gives CASA significant powers of oversight, the reality is that regulatory environment is eroded by the Authority enabling various instruments - in simple terms the "law" is downgraded to departmental process.
QF, DJ, JQ, are all exploiting the opportunites - alongside the other forgein carriers who can fly in and out of Australia under the standards applicable to their OWN country. (All three are stretching the envelope and are looking for more - just read their green paper submissions)
Then you have the likes of various airport operators (ie NTL) and the Vic Government who claim that NZ should be classified as domestic ops in australia and that we should have an open door for any airline to fly into and around Australian skies.
The thread is about jobs and standards - unfortunately the issues are messy and whilever we have pollies who accept the BS from their minders and depts , and Authorities that believe in self regulation as long as they can report an operating profit - safety and jobs will be further eroded.
One day we might even have a shadow minister that might wake from the afternoon sleep long enough to pose some questions.
AT
